Cliff Jones Ambassador Award

Advancing Excellence Through Advocacy: Chief Michael Guzman, CFO, Joint Base San Antonio Fire Emergency Services, Receives the Cliff Jones Ambassador Award

The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) is proud to recognize Chief Michael Guzman, CFO, as the 2026 recipient of the Cliff Jones Ambassador Award, honoring leaders who champion accreditation, professional development, and a culture of continuous improvement within the fire and emergency service.

Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Chief Guzman has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing organizational excellence through active engagement in the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) process. By embracing accreditation not simply as a milestone but as an ongoing framework for growth, he has helped foster a culture focused on learning, accountability, and long-term organizational success.

Under his leadership, the department hosted three Quality Improvement for Emergency Services (QIFES) workshops to ensure personnel gained a deeper understanding of accreditation principles and performance improvement strategies. He further strengthened this effort by bringing CPSE to his agency to conduct an in-person peer assessor workshop, an initiative that reflects a proactive investment in developing internal expertise and preparing future leaders within the profession.

Championing Professional Development and Collaboration

Chief Guzman’s commitment to CPSE extends beyond organizational participation. As a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designee, he actively promotes mentorship, professional growth, and engagement with the broader fire service community. His approach emphasizes collaboration and shared learning, ensuring that accreditation efforts translate into meaningful improvements in service delivery.

A notable example of this leadership is his use of CPSE’s Technical Assistance Program (TAP). Rather than viewing the program as external support, Chief Guzman leveraged it as an opportunity to build internal capacity, empowering his team to strengthen processes, enhance performance measurement, and sustain long-term progress.

Embodying the Spirit of the Cliff Jones Ambassador Award

The Cliff Jones Ambassador Award recognizes individuals who actively promote CPSE’s mission and inspire others to pursue excellence. Chief Guzman’s leadership reflects that spirit through his dedication to education, mentorship, and advancing accreditation as a pathway toward stronger organizations and safer communities.

By investing in training opportunities, supporting peer assessor development, and championing continuous improvement initiatives, Chief Guzman has helped expand awareness of accreditation and its value across the profession. His work serves as an example of how committed leadership can elevate both an agency and the broader fire service community.

CPSE congratulates Chief Michael Guzman on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued advocacy, leadership, and commitment to advancing excellence.

The CPSE Cliff Jones Ambassador Award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond in their support of accreditation, credentialing, and CPSE as a whole. The CPSE staff makes their selection based on their interactions and observations over the prior year.

Learn about other CPSE awards or contact CPSE if you have any questions.

Learn about other CPSE awards or contact CPSE if you have any questions.